I’m Jane Carvell, a business English trainer, language coach and visual thinking enthusiast.
I help German-speaking professionals improve their English communication skills, so that they can build better connections to grow in an international working world.
This blog is for English learners who want to communicate with confidence, think creatively, and grow professionally.
(Für Leser, die gerade erst mit Englisch anfangen, gibt es auch deutsche Versionen einiger Beiträge).
How to Communicate Your Personal Values in a Job Interview by Using a Plant Metaphor 🪴
Struggling to express your personal values in a job interview in English? Recruiters want more than just skills, they look for candidates who align with their company culture. This guide introduces a visual metaphor to help you identify, nurture, and confidently communicate your values. Learn how to use the STAR method, practice value-based questions, and improve your Business English for interviews.
The Language Learning Track: A Visual Plan for Business English Success
Feeling overwhelmed by language learning? A structured, visual plan can make all the difference. In this post, I introduce the Language Learning Track, a simple template to help you stay on track, build consistency, and reach your Business English goals. Ready to sketch your way to success?
An English Check-Up: 3 Ways You Can Measure Your Progress
How can you measure your progress in business English? Whether you're preparing for meetings, improving your confidence, or tracking your fluency, using scaling tools can help. These simple techniques allow you to assess your skills, set realistic goals, and make your learning more effective. In this post, you'll learn three practical ways to reflect on your English skills and adjust your approach to get better results.
How to Introduce Yourself with Confidence: Creating a Verbal Business Card
Feeling nervous about introducing yourself in professional settings? Whether it’s a networking event, job interview, or meeting with clients, knowing how to introduce yourself clearly and confidently can make all the difference.
In this post, I share step-by-step tips on how to create a memorable verbal business card that will help you stand out.
How to Build a Memory Palace to Improve Your Business English Skills
Do you struggle to recall the right English words and phrases during meetings, presentations, or networking events? You’re not alone! Many German-speaking professionals find it challenging to remember business vocabulary when it matters most. The Memory Palace technique could help you remember the right words at the right time.
Why You Keep Forgetting English Words (And How to Fix It)
Discover more about the science of memory and learning. Then find your own personal way to learn and use new words in English.
Are You Really a Good Listener: Listening Challenges for English Learners
Becoming a good listener in English takes time, awareness and practice, but it’s possible! Start small, pick one or two techniques and try them today. The more you listen and actively train the skill, the more confident you’ll become.
The Wheel of English: A visual tool to steer your learning in the right direction.
How to use the Wheel of English to find out where your language-learning strengths and weaknesses are. This visual tool will help you find focus and direction for your English communication skills development.
8 Mindfulness Activities to Boost Language Learning
I’ll explore 8 practical mindfulness activities you can use to improve focus, reduce stress, and learn more effectively. The tips will show you how to transform language learning into a calm, positive, and productive experience.
4 Simple Ways Language Learners Can Use Visual Thinking
Learning a new language can sometimes feel overwhelming, like stepping into a fog of unknown words, grammar and sounds. How can we get out of the fog? This is where visual thinking comes in – tools that combine images, creativity and structure to help language learners connect ideas, understand concepts and stay motivated.